Epidemiologists

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Duties

Typically, epidemiologists do the following tasks:

• Find strategies to prevent or treat public health issues by doing research and directing studies.
• Gather and evaluate data from many sources, such as surveys, interviews, and blood or other body fluid samples, in order to discover the underlying causes of illnesses or other health issues.
• Health practitioners, politicians, and the general public should be made aware of the results.
• Organize programs through planning, monitoring progress, and looking for ways to enhance them.
• Professional, technical, and clerical staff are under your command.
• Prepare research funding proposals in the form of grant applications.

When it comes to health concerns, epidemiologists collect and evaluate data. There are several ways in which an epidemiologist may use demographic data to identify populations at risk for a certain disease. They may also look at the demographics of cancer survivors in order to find new therapies.

Research or applied public health are the most common fields of work for epidemiologists. Public health issues are frequently the focus of applied epidemiologists' work in state and municipal governments. The CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are two examples of federal institutions where epidemiologists do their research or work for universities (NIH).

Those who work in private enterprise may do research for health insurance companies or pharmaceutical firms. Nonprofit organizations tend to focus on public health advocacy rather than unbiased research.

Education

At least a master's degree is required to become an epidemiologist. A master's degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology is the most prevalent type of degree, but it is not the only one. A Ph.D. or a medical degree is frequently required for epidemiologists who oversee research programs, including those who teach in postsecondary institutions.

A bachelor's degree in an area like biology, public policy and social services, or social science is often required to apply to graduate programs in epidemiology. All of these fields are covered in an epidemiology curriculum, including public health, biology and physics, and mathematics and statistics. Survey and research design and comparative healthcare systems are examples of possible areas of investigation.

Internship and practicum requirements for master's degree programs in public health, as well as for other programs focusing on epidemiology, can vary greatly in length. Opportunities for training at government organizations such as the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) include internships and various types of work experience (NIH).

Epidemiologists who are also doctors are known as 'dual degree' epidemiologists. Clinical research is a common emphasis for these experts. Anatomy, microbiology, and pathology are just a few of the topics covered in the first two years of medical school. Medical students also learn how to obtain medical histories, evaluate patients, and determine the cause of an ailment.

Qualities that are essential

The ability to effectively communicate. To educate policymakers and the general public about health dangers, epidemiologists rely on their verbal and written communication abilities. Additionally, they must be able to successfully communicate their findings to other healthcare professionals.

Analytical abilities. Public health issues and health emergencies need epidemiologists to evaluate a wide range of resources while responding.

Pays close attention to the smallest of details. When drawing inferences from observation and interview, epidemiologists must be extremely careful.

The ability to lead. Epidemiologists might oversee the work of others conducting research or looking into a specific illness. Assigning tasks and evaluating the performance of employees are two other possible responsibilities.

Statistical and mathematical abilities. When analyzing the findings of studies and surveys, epidemiologists may have to do data analysis. Expertise in the use of huge datasets and statistical computer applications is essential.

Pay

In May 2020, the average yearly salary for epidemiologists was $74,560. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. The bottom 10% made less than $49,140, and the top 10% earned more than $126,040.

Job Projections

It is predicted that the number of epidemiologists would increase by 30% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations during that time.